Brunch Made Easy... stratas and overnight breakfasts

[**Tinkerbell**]

On the average my family really isn't a breakfast-loving family. I know it's the most important meal, or so my mom told me hundreds of times growing up, but we just don't usually get hungry until about brunch-time. That's not to say we don't love breakfast foods!

If you ask my husband to name his favorite part of Christmas he'll tell you it's Christmas morning breakfast. I love that his family had a special tradition of making a special breakfast, and I have carried that on into our family's tradition. However, I can't seem to juggle both a breakfast and dinner for a crowd on that day, so I've grown to love breakfast casseroles, or stratas, of all sorts. There are both sweet and savory varieties, and because they're made the night before, I sometimes make one of each to satisfy everyone the next day. Doing the prep and cleanup the night before frees up my morning to start the Holiday dinner.

By definition, a strata is "one of a series of layers, levels, or gradations in an ordered system". The 3 most basic ingredients for a breakfast strata are eggs, cheese, and bread. The first known mention of a breakfast strata is a recipe for Cheese Strata printed in the 1902 edition of the Handbook of Household Science
By Juniata L. Shepperd


The strata is layers of various kinds of bread, cheese, eggs and can include milk or creams, as well as different vegetables or meats. It is then refrigerated overnight, which allows the liquid to be absorbed by the bread and the other flavors to meld. Below are some recipes using different versions of the same basic strata formula. Feel free to invent your own combinations. Often I have to sub cream for milk, swiss for cheddar, or ham for bacon. It all works. I just try to have fun with them... and clean out the fridge at the same time!

Do you have a favorite overnight breakfast you like to share at the holidays? Tell us about it!

Sweet Stratas:

Lorilyn's Baked Strawberry French Toast

Verry Berry French Toast (photo by Debber)


Savory Stratas:

Overnight Sausge Breakfast Casserole
Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Overnight Hash Browns Breakfast Casserole
Croissant & Salmon (or Ham) Breakfast Casserole (preparation photo by JustJanS)


Breakfast Casserole


Sometimes I'll shake things up and make this delicious breakfast lasagna.
Bacon 'n' Egg Lasagna (photo by Lori Mama)

[Zurie]

I made this recipe by BonnieG recently, and it was a total hit. I'm not sure it can be called a "strata", but it is the perfect brunch dish.

With guests, I'd prepare a muffin tin lined with flat-rolled bread slices (as in the recipe), and bake it the day before, and I'd also prepare the bacon.

Do use a nonstick pan and grease even that, so the "muffins" do not stick. Then complete the recipe the next day.

It was over-the-top delicious! Please note that we like our eggs to have runny yolks -- if that's not for you, bake a little longer. This recipe deserves to be tried for someone's Christmas brunch!

Baked Egg Muffins

[**Tinkerbell**]

Hi Zurie!
That does sound like a fun recipe.
Looks easy, especially for kids to help with, and what kid doesn't like mini-food?!
Thanks for sharing that link & your beautiful photo with us.

[Chicagoland Chef du Jour]

WOW, I am all over the berry & cream cheese strata.

Thanks for directing me here!

I am trying a new start this year for the Ladies Brunch cuz I wanted something more savory (other are bringing French Toast Bake, etc.)

I have not made this but my GF swear by it Prosciutto and Goat Cheese Strata

[Sage]

I am a big fan of Make ahead meals especially brunches. Everything you posted here is talking to me. looks good Tink.

[**Tinkerbell**]

Chicagoland Chef du Jour wrote:

I have not made this but my GF swear by it Prosciutto and Goat Cheese Strata

Ooh! This looks really good! I popped it into my cookbook, but will have to get some prosciutto first. I have some really good marinated goat cheese from the farmer's market that I've been wanting to try. This might be fun to use it in! DH won't eat the goat cheese, but I could make a half batch for me and the kids.
Thanks for sharing it, C!

[*Parsley*]

Monte Cristo Casserole

[**Tinkerbell**]

*Parsley* wrote:
Monte Cristo Casserole

Mmm! Love me some Monte Cristo. I'll save this one for turkey leftovers next time.

[Dib's]

*Parsley* wrote:
Monte Cristo Casserole

Oh Dear & saved!

Overnight French Toast Cream Cheese Casserole
French Toast Apple-Maple Brunch Strata
Stuffed Pecan Pie French Toast I forgot about-it's now on my make asap list


Jamaican French Toast
Sausage and Peach Breakfast Casserole

[**Tinkerbell**]

Dib's wrote:

Jamaican French Toast

Another one added to my To Do list. I am going to have to start making breakfast for dinner to get through all these new ones I want to try!

[Dib's]

**Tinkerbell** wrote:

Dib's wrote:

Jamaican French Toast

Another one added to my To Do list. I am going to have to start making breakfast for dinner to get through all these new ones I want to try!

Tell me about it! I ran a few of these past my DH last night. He said "as long as there's bacon or ham I'm good".

[**Tinkerbell**]

Dib's wrote:

**Tinkerbell** wrote:

Dib's wrote:

Jamaican French Toast

Another one added to my To Do list. I am going to have to start making breakfast for dinner to get through all these new ones I want to try!

Tell me about it! I ran a few of these past my DH last night. He said "as long as there's bacon or ham I'm good".

That sounds like ME! "Everything's better with bacon!"